I swore I’d do anything to save Heart and save Nadir, but at what point do I have to consider the cost of what I want versus those I might hurt along the way? I was a child when my life was taken from me for the sins of a woman I never met. That wasn’t fair, but what I did here isn’t either. I’ve been so afraid of people judging me against the things my grandmother did, and here I am, at the first opportunity, doing the same. Is this who I want to be?

I scan the distance, seeing black uniforms moving through the mess. Rion’s guards are searching for me. I take another look at the destruction I’ve caused. It’s done now. I can’t undo this, but I need to think harder about how I use my magic again. Or at least find some way to fucking control it.

I also need to run, or all of this will have been for nothing.

I duck around a corner, keeping out of sight. No one lingers on this side of the building, and I continue around it until I come to the far side. Ahead of me is a stretch of endless beach, sand spreading in every direction, bordered by the ocean on one side and the rest of Ouranos on the other.

The Crystal Palace sits on an island with three bridges arching over the Sinen River. Either I head for one, which would mean entering the city, or I take my chances and swim across the channel.

I consider my options.

In the distance, I see the blue ribbon where the water splits the land. Heading into the city seems like a fool’s errand. I’m covered in blood, and it will be glaringly obvious I was part of the collapse. I’ll draw too much attention.

The beach is nothing but open sky and plain. Anyone looking this way will see me from miles away. Neither is a good choice, but I decide to take my chances with the sand.

Checking one last time that the coast is clear, I push away from the wall, and then I run.

CHAPTER 19

NADIR

THE EVANESCENCE

“Your mate. She killed you,” Zerra repeats after I don’t answer for several long seconds. Her expression turns simpering, and she assesses me up and down. “She thought you betrayed her to your father and, in a fit of rage, unleashed her magic and killed you.” She tips her head and purses her mouth into a faux pout. “Surely you remember something?”